Dual-Compartment Handbag

ABSTRACT

In some aspects, a dual-compartment handbag, having: (1) a unitary handbag exterior body, including: at least two sidewalls; an upper portion having a top opening; a lower portion, including: a bottom side, the bottom side defined by bottom perimeter edges of the at least two sidewalls; and a resealable bottom opening positioned on the bottom side; (2) a handbag interior including: an upper compartment corresponding to the upper portion and accessible via the top opening; and a concealable lower compartment corresponding to the lower portion and accessible via the resealable bottom opening; and (3) a divider positioned in the handbag interior and arranged to divide the upper compartment from the lower compartment. 
     And in some aspects, a dual-compartment handbag, having: (1) a unitary handbag exterior body, including: at least two sidewalls; an upper portion having a top opening; a lower portion including: a bottom side, the bottom side defined by bottom perimeter edges of the at least two sidewalls; and a resealable bottom opening positioned at least in part along the side walls and within three inches distance from the bottom side; (2) a handbag interior including: an upper compartment corresponding to the upper portion and accessible via the top opening; and a thermally-insulated lower compartment corresponding to the lower portion and accessible via the resealable bottom opening; and (3) a divider positioned in the handbag interior and arranged to divide the upper compartment from the lower compartment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the fields of carrying bags, food containers,and more specifically in some examples to handbags with foodcompartments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable food containers such as lunch boxes must often be carried inaddition to other items and bags. Moreover, the few available hybridfood containers/carrying bags are often cumbersome and easilyrecognizable as food-related bags, and therefore unattractive optionsfor consumers (for example, consumers who are more fashion conscious).Accordingly, there exists a need for a dynamic portable handbag having afood container and/or food compartment and that is easily portable anddisguisable from the perspective of a casual observer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings.

In one embodiment, described herein is a dual-compartment handbag havinga unitary handbag exterior body and a handbag interior having an uppercompartment and a lower compartment. The exterior body may have at leasttwo sidewalls, an upper portion having a top opening, and a lowerportion having a bottom side. The bottom side may be defined by bottomperimeter edges of the at least two sidewalls, and may have a resealablebottom opening positioned on the bottom side. The interior uppercompartment may correspond to the upper portion and be accessible viathe top opening. The interior lower compartment may be concealable,correspond to the lower portion, and be accessible via the resealableopening. A divider may be positioned in the handbag interior andarranged to divide the upper compartment from the lower compartment.

In some examples of the handbag embodiment, the resealable bottomopening may have a flap having a portion that extends downwardly awayfrom the at least two sidewalls and the bottom side when the flap is inan open position. In some examples, the resealable bottom opening mayextend along at least a portion of the bottom perimeter edges of the atleast two sidewalls defining the bottom side. In further examples, thebottom side may have a rectangular shape with four sides, and theresealable bottom opening may extend along three of the four sides.

In some examples, the lower compartment may have interior walls havinginsulated material. In further examples, the lower compartment may havewaterproof material. In further examples, at least one interior wall ofthe lower compartment (e.g., an interior wall along the bottom of thelower compartment and corresponding the bottom side) may have a nettedpocket to hold a cooler pack. In further examples, the resealable bottomopening may have a flap and a flap hinge. The flap hinge may permitmovement of the flap downwardly and away from the bottom side and the atleast two sidewalls when in an open position.

In some examples, the resealable bottom opening may have a zipper, whichmay be operable to open and close the resealable bottom opening. In someexamples, the handbag may have a maximum width of 0 to 5.5 inches, amaximum length of 8.0 to 15 inches, and a maximum height of 6 to 11inches.

In some examples, the divider may have a resealable opening to provideaccess between the lower compartment and the upper compartment. In someexamples, the lower compartment may be configured to securely house aremovable storage container. In some examples, the lower compartment andthe removable storage container may both have elongated shapes.

In some examples, the lower compartment may have a first pair ofsidewalls, and a second pair of sidewalls that are longer than the firstpair of sidewalls and arranged perpendicular to the first pair ofsidewalls. In further examples, the first and second pairs of sidewallsmay be configured to restrict movement of the removable storagecontainer when the removable storage container is housed in the lowercompartment. In further examples, the length of the removable storagecontainer may be less than a length of the second pair of sidewalls, andmay form a space for storing additional items within the lowercompartment while the removable storage container is housed in the lowercompartment. In further examples, at least one of the sidewalls of thelower compartment may have a netted pocket configured to hold a coolerpack, and the cooler pack and netted pocket may be adapted to a size andshape of the removable storage container, and configured to cool theremovable storage container.

In some examples, the upper compartment may be configured to enclose asubstantially equivalent volume as the lower compartment. In someexamples, the top opening may have a zipper, and the at least twosidewalls may be tapered towards the top opening when the top opening isclosed. In some examples, the lower compartment may have a liquid-tightseal when the resealable bottom opening is closed. In some examples thelower portion may have a width greater than a width of the upperportion.

In another embodiment, a dual-compartment handbag includes a unitaryhandbag exterior body and a handbag interior. The exterior body may haveat least two sidewalls, an upper portion having a top opening, and alower portion. The lower portion may have a bottom side, which bottomside may be defined by bottom perimeter edges of the at least twosidewalls. The bottom side may also have a resealable bottom openingpositioned at least in part along the side walls and within three inchesdistance from the bottom side. The handbag interior may have an uppercompartment corresponding to the upper portion and accessible via thetop opening, a thermally-insulated lower compartment corresponding tothe lower portion and accessible via the resealable opening, and adivider positioned in the handbag interior and arranged to divide theupper compartment from the lower compartment.

In some examples, the resealable bottom opening may form at least partof a flap having a portion that may extend downwardly away from the atleast two sidewalls when in an open position. In some examples, theresealable bottom opening may run parallel to the plane of the bottomside and the flap may include the bottom side when in an open position.In further examples, the bottom side may have a rectangular shape withfour sides, and the four sides may correspond to the perimeter edges ofthe at least two sidewalls. In some examples, the resealable bottomopening may run horizontally along at least two of the at least twosidewalls at a distance between zero to two inches above the perimeteredges of the at least two of the at least two sidewalls.

In some examples, the divider may be removable. In further examples, thedivider may be configured to snap into position dividing the uppercompartment from the lower compartment. In further examples, the dividermay be configured to snap into any of several positions dividing theupper compartment from the lower compartment. In further examples, eachposition may be located at a different distance above the bottom side.In some examples, the divider may include a divider resealable openingto provide access between the lower compartment and the uppercompartment. In further examples, the divider resealable opening may beconfigured for removal of a storage container therethrough. In someexamples, the lower compartment may have a liquid-tight seal when theresealable bottom opening and the divider resealable opening are closed.

In some examples, the lower compartment may be configured for housing asingle removable storage container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handbag embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handbag embodiment of FIG. 1, with aresealable bottom opening in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an interior example of the handbagembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an overhead perspective view of the handbag embodiment of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another interior example of the handbagembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another handbag embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the handbag embodiment of FIG. 6, with aresealable bottom opening in an open position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another handbag embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the handbag embodiment of FIG. 8, with aresealable bottom opening in an open position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the handbag embodiment of FIG. 8,illustrating a removable divider.

FIG. 11 is a view of one example interior of the handbag embodiment ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a view of another example interior of the handbag embodimentof FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a handbag embodiment compartmentdivider.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A few embodiments of the disclosure and improvements have beendescribed. It should be understood that this description has been madeby way of example, and that the invention is defined by the scope of thefollowing claims.

Described herein is a dual-compartment handbag, where the dualcompartment feature may be disguised from the casual observer viewingthe exterior of the handbag. The dual compartments may each have arespective opening by which the compartments may be accessible. Theopening to one of the compartments—for example, a lower compartment—mayby located along or near a bottom side of the handbag when the handbagis in an upright orientation, thus assisting in accomplishing and/orfacilitating the disguising of the dual compartment feature from sideand top views of the upright oriented handbag. For example, in oneembodiment, perimeter edges of the bottom opening may extend along theseams of the bottom edges of the sidewalls of the handbag, or closethereto, or located entirely along the inner portion of the bottom side(e.g., spaced inward from the sidewalls of the handbag). An uprightorientation for the handbag provides the bottom side facing generallyvertically downward, the sidewalls facing generally laterally or in ahorizontal direction, and the top side facing generally verticallyupward and in a direction opposite the bottom side.

In an embodiment, one compartment—for example, a lower compartment, maybe configured for storing objects such as food and/or a food container(such as by having an insulated interior space). Thus, using, forexample, the features described in the preceding paragraph, thecompartment capable of storing food may be disguised from view along thesides and top of the exterior of the handbag when the handbag isoriented upright. In one example, the food storing compartment may beconfigured to house a single food container of modest size and generallymatching dimensions and/or shape corresponding to the dimensions and/orshape of the food storing compartment for storing the single foodcontainer. Relatedly, in one aspect, the handbag may be a non-bulkyconvenient-sized purse for easy and unassuming portability of foods. Forexample, with just a single food container securely housed within thelower compartment, the bag may be relatively light to carry whencompared with another type of carrying apparatus for storing a plethoraof food containers. Thus, some consumers who only need to carry a singlemeal (e.g., a lunch meal) may prefer carrying just a single foodcontainer and corresponding lighter weight and less bulk rather thanlugging around several or many food containers, which may not benecessary. Relatedly, the space of the handbag that would otherwise beused for several or many food containers, in some aspects as describedherein, may be used more efficiently for space in a different non-foodstoring (e.g., upper) compartment, and/or may facilitate a less bulkyhandbag.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a dual-compartment handbagembodiment 100, having a unitary handbag exterior body 105. The exteriorbody 105 may have at least two sidewalls 110, 115, an upper portion 120having a top opening 130, and a lower portion 125 having a bottom side135. In some variations, the exterior body 105, and/or parts thereof,may be entirely or partially made of synthetic leather. In someembodiments, the thickness of the synthetic leather may be between 1-3mm, and about 2 mm in one example. The bottom side 135 may be defined bybottom perimeter edges 140, 185 of the at least two sidewalls 110, 115,and may have a resealable bottom opening 145 positioned on or along thebottom side 135. In the embodiment 100 shown, the bottom side 135 mayhave a rectangular shape with four sides 150, 155, 160, 165. Inaddition, the resealable bottom opening 145 may extend along at least aportion of the bottom perimeter edges 140, 185 of the at least twosidewalls 110, 115 defining the bottom side 135. However, it should benoted that other variations with different shapes, numbers of sidewalls,and shapes and sides of the bottom side, are also contemplated.

In some examples, the top opening 130 may be openable and closeableusing a zipper 170 and an overflap 175. In some examples, at least someof the at least two sidewalls 110, 115 may be tapered towards the topopening 130—for example, when the top opening 130 is in a closedposition. In some examples, the upper portion 120 may have a width W1less than a width W2 of the lower portion 125. In some examples, one ormore sidewalls 110, 115 and/or the bottom side 135 may be rigid ornon-rigid. In some examples, the upper portion 120 may also include ahandle 180.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the handbag embodiment 100 of FIG. 1,with a resealable bottom opening 145 in an open position. In examples,the resealable bottom opening 145 may have a flap 205 and a flap hinge210. In some examples, the flap 205 may include at least part of thebottom side 135, and the flap hinge 210 may include or be formed by aseam or side 155 of the bottom side 135. The flap hinge 210 may permitmovement of the flap 205 downwardly and away from the at least twosidewalls 110, 115, and downwardly and away from where the bottom side135 would be when in a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1). In someexamples, the resealable bottom opening 145 may have a zipper/zippertrack 215, which may be operable to open and close the resealable bottomopening 145. In some examples the zipper/zipper track 215 may beoversized and lightweight.

It should be appreciated that different variations of resealable bottomopenings are contemplated. For example, in addition to the embodiment100 shown with the bottom side 135 having a rectangular shape with foursides 150, 155, 160, 165, and the resealable bottom opening 145extending along (or using as a hinge) all four sides 150, 155, 160,165—in other embodiments with a bottom side having four sides, aresealable bottom opening may utilize for example only three of the foursides of the bottom side.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an interior 300 example of the handbagembodiment 100 of FIG. 1. The handbag interior 300 may have an uppercompartment 305 and a lower compartment 310. The interior uppercompartment 305 may correspond to the upper portion 120 of FIG. 1 and beaccessible via the top opening 130. The interior lower compartment 310may correspond to the lower portion 125 of FIG. 1 and be accessible viathe resealable bottom opening 145. A divider 315 may be positioned inthe handbag interior 300 and arranged to divide the upper compartment305 from the lower compartment 310.

In some examples, the lower compartment 310 may have a first pair ofsidewalls 320, 325, and a second pair of sidewalls 330, 335 that arelonger than the first pair of sidewalls 320, 325 and arrangedperpendicular to the first pair of sidewalls 320, 325. In furtherexamples, at least one of the sidewalls 320, 325, 330, 335 of the lowercompartment 310 and/or the lower compartment interior floor 340, whichmay be or form part of the interior floor of the bottom side 135 (shownin FIGS. 1 and 2), may have a netted pocket 345 configured to hold acooler pack 350. In some examples, the netted pocket 345 and the coolerpack 350 may be adapted to a size and shape of the removable storagecontainer (not shown in FIG. 3), and configured to cool the removablestorage container.

In further examples, the divider 315 may be configured to changepositions within the handbag 100, for example, by “snapping” intodifferent vertical positions dividing the upper compartment 305 from thelower compartment 310. For example, the divider 315 may have a firstpair of divider sidewalls 355, 360 corresponding to the first pair ofsidewalls 320, 325 and a second pair of divider sidewalls 365, 378corresponding to the second pair of sidewalls 330, 335. The first pairof sidewalls 320, 325 may have different receivers 370 (e.g., pairs ofbutton sockets) for receiving or fastening with attachers 390 (e.g., apair of button caps, studs or posts) located along the first pair ofdivider sidewalls 355, 360, allowing the divider 315 to snap into any ofseveral positions 375, 380, 385 dividing the upper compartment 305 fromthe lower compartment 310. In some examples, each position 375, 380, 385may be located at a different distance above the bottom side 135. Insome examples of the interior 300, all of the interior of the sidewalls320, 325, 330, 335 may be lined with insulating material 395. In someexamples, the lower compartment 310 may have a liquid-tight seal whenthe resealable bottom opening 145 is closed.

FIG. 4 is an overhead perspective view of the handbag embodiment 100 ofFIG. 1. The divider 315 may be held securely in place with the attachers390 of the first pair of divider sidewalls 355, 360 fastened with somepair of receivers 370 along the first pair of sidewalls 320, 325. Inthat manner, the divider 315 may form a floor 405 of the uppercompartment 305 for receiving items (as shown with the overflap 175open), and adjust the enclosed volume of the upper compartment 305.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another interior 500 example of thehandbag embodiment 100 of FIG. 1. In some examples, such as that shownin FIG. 5, a divider 505 may be fixed in place and not removable. Insome such examples, the upper compartment 305 may be configured toenclose a substantially equivalent volume as the lower compartment 310.In some examples where the divider 505 is fixed in place, just the lowercompartment 310, and for example the portions of the sidewalls 320, 325,330, 335 forming the lower compartment 310 may be lined with insulatingmaterial 510. In addition, in some examples, the lower compartment 310may have a liquid-tight seal when the resealable bottom opening 145 isclosed, which seal prevents any loose liquids from entering the uppercompartment 305.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another handbag embodiment 600. Thehandbag embodiment 600 may be similar in some aspects to the handbagembodiment 100 of FIG. 1, and different in other aspects. The handbagembodiment 600 may have, for example a unitary handbag exterior body605, having at least two sidewalls 610, 615, an upper portion 620 havinga top opening 630, and a lower portion 625 having a bottom side 635. Thebottom side 635 may be defined by bottom perimeter edges 640, 645 of theat least two sidewalls 610, 615, and may have a resealable bottomopening 650 positioned on or along the bottom side 635.

In the embodiment 600 shown, the bottom side 635 may have a rectangularshape. The resealable bottom opening 650 may be located interior to anda distance D2 from the bottom perimeter edges 640, 645 of the at leasttwo sidewalls 610, 615 defining the bottom side 635. In addition, insome examples, the bottom side 635 may be recessed a distance D1 fromthe bottom perimeter edges 640, 645 of the at least two sidewalls 610,615. In some examples, the distance D2 may be greater than the distanceD1. In other examples, the distance D2 may be less than the distance D1.In some examples, the distance D2 may be equal to the distance D1. Insome examples, the distance D2 may be 0-4 inches, and about 2 inches inone embodiment. In some examples, the distance D1 may be 0-3 inches, andabout 0.7 inches in one embodiment. In some embodiments, the recesseddistance D1 of the bottom side 635 may further increase concealabilityand may also prevent a zipper 655 of the resealable bottom opening 650from being dirtied if the handbag 600 were placed on dirty surface. Insome examples (not shown), this latter objective may also beaccomplished by pegs or other means for raising the bottom side 635elevated over a surface. In some examples, the resealable bottom openingmay define a flap 660 that may swing down when the zipper is opened, viaconnection at a flap hinge 665. In some embodiments, entire bottom side635, or portions thereof such as just the flap 660, may be made a hardmaterial, which may provide for more stable placement of objectsthereon, and/or for a more uniform swinging downward movement by theflap 660 from the flap hinge 665. Examples of such hard materials mayinclude acrylic, and may be in some variations a clear acrylic baseshaper. In some embodiments, the thickness of the acrylic base shapermay range from ⅛″ to 1/16″, and may have rounded corners and polishededges, to prevent wear and tear to any other material of the bottom side635 (or a portion thereof), such as synthetic leather or other materialthat the base shaper is placed within.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a handbag embodiment 700 similar in someaspects to the handbag embodiment 600 of FIG. 6, with a recessedresealable bottom opening 750 in an open position. The resealable bottomopening 750 may include a flap hinge 710, which may permit movement of aflap 715 downwardly and away from the at least two sidewalls 720, 725.

In some embodiments, the flap 715 may include all of a bottom side 735.In other embodiments (such as handbag 600 shown in FIG. 6), a flap 660may include only a portion of the bottom side 635. In the latterembodiment—it may be said that a flap hinge 665, may permit movement ofthe flap 660 downwardly and away from the at least two sidewalls 610,615, and away from any immobile or non-hinged portion of the bottom side635 (not shown).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another handbag embodiment 800. Thehandbag embodiment 800 may be similar in some aspects to the handbagembodiments 100, 600 and 700 of FIGS. 1, 6 and 7 respectively, anddifferent in other aspects. The handbag embodiment 800 may have, forexample a unitary handbag exterior body 805, having at least twosidewalls 810, 815, an upper portion 820 having a top opening 830, and alower portion 825 having a bottom side 835 and a bottom opening portion840 including all (or a portion of—but not shown in FIG. 8) the bottomside 835. The bottom side 835 may be defined by bottom perimeter edges845, 850 of the at least two sidewalls 810, 815, and may have aresealable bottom opening 855 positioned with the bottom opening portion840.

In some examples, the resealable bottom opening 855 may be positioned atleast in part along at least some of the at least two side walls 810,815 and within a distance D3 from the bottom side 835 and/or from thebottom perimeter edges 845, 850 of the at least two sidewalls 810, 815.In some examples, the distance D3 may be three inches or less. In someexamples, the resealable bottom opening 855 may run horizontally alongat least some of the at least two sidewalls 810, 815 at a distancebetween zero to two inches above the perimeter edges 845, 850. In someexamples, the resealable bottom opening 855 may run parallel to theplane of the bottom side 835 when in a closed position.

In some examples, the bottom opening 855 may be concealable, (andrelatedly, the lower compartment (not shown) may also be concealable byvirtue of the bottom opening 855 being concealable). In some examples,the concealability of the bottom opening 855 may be accomplished orenhanced by the position of the bottom opening near the bottom side 845,or by narrow flaps of material covering the bottom opening 835 (e.g.,pieces of material on either side of a zipper track 860 that blend inwith and/or form part of the rest of the handbag 800 exterior, and/orthe color of the zipper 865 may match the bag or features thereof).

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the handbag embodiment of FIG. 8, withthe resealable bottom opening 855 in an open position. In the embodiment800 shown, the bottom side 835 may have a rectangular shape. In someexamples, the resealable bottom opening 855 may form at least part of aflap 905 that may extend downwardly away from the at least two sidewalls810 and 815 when in an open position. In some examples, the flap 905 mayinclude the bottom side 840 when in an open position. A flap hinge 910may also be formed along a handbag sidewall 915 along which (either inpart or at all) the resealable bottom opening 855 does not run.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a handbag embodiment 1000, similar insome aspects to handbag embodiment 800 of FIG. 8, illustrating aremovable divider 1005. In some examples, with the overflap 175 in anopen position, the divider 1005 may be removable. Without the divider1005 secured and dividing the upper compartment 1020 from the lowercompartment 1025, the upper compartment and the lower compartment maytogether form a single interior compartment 1010. Relatedly, theremovable divider 1005 may allow for objects to be placed into the lowercompartment 1025 through the top opening 1030. Although the removabledivider 1005 is shown as attachable to the interiors of the sidewalls1035, 1040 and pairs of receivers 1050, 1065 thereof via attachers 1045of the first pair of divider sidewalls 1055, 1060, other removabledivider types are also contemplated (e.g., dividers that are removableand/or openable using a zipper).

FIG. 11 is a view of one example interior 1100 of one variation of thehandbag embodiment 800 of FIG. 8 (although interiors that are similar insome aspects to interior 1100 are also contemplated for other handbagembodiments). The handbag interior 1100 may have an upper compartment1110 corresponding to the upper portion 1120 and accessible via the topopening 1130, a lower compartment 1115 corresponding to the lowerportion 1125 and accessible via the resealable bottom opening 1135, anda divider 1105 positioned in the handbag interior 1100 and arranged todivide the upper 1110 compartment from the lower compartment 1115. Insome examples, the lower compartment 1115 may be thermally-insulated.

In some examples, the divider 1105 may not be removable but ratherfixed, thereby dividing the upper compartment 1110 from the lowercompartment 1115. Ample space may be available in the upper compartment1110 to store items that might typically be accessible via a top opening1130, and to store other items or item in the lower compartment 1115. Insome examples, the upper compartment 1110 may be configured to enclose asubstantially equivalent volume as the lower compartment 1115. In oneexample, the handbag may have a maximum width of about 0 to about 5.5inches, a maximum length of about 8.0 to about 15 inches, and a maximumheight of about 6 to about 11 inches, and substantially equal volumes ofcorresponding upper compartment 1110 and lower compartment 1115.

In some examples, the lower compartment 1115 may be configured tosecurely house one or more removable storage containers 1140, and insome cases, configured for housing a single removable storage container1140. In some examples, interior portions of the sidewalls 1150, 1155(e.g., first and second pairs of sidewalls) of the lower compartment1115 may be configured to restrict movement of the removable storagecontainer 1140 when the single removable storage container 1140 ishoused in the lower compartment 1115. To accomplish that, the removablestorage container 1140 may have a length L1 that may be substantiallysimilar to, but just less than a length L2 of the pair of sidewalls1150, 1155 (e.g., a second pair of sidewalls). In some examples, thepair of sidewalls 1150, 1155 may also have a width W1 or W2 that, whichmay fill any space between the length L1 of the removable storagecontainer and the length L2 of the pair of sidewalls 1150, 1155. In someexample, the widths W1 or W2 may be made of a different material fromthat of the rest of the pair of sidewalls 1150, 1155. For example, thewidths W1 or W2 may include (in some embodiments) insulating material1165. Some examples of insulating material 1165 may include polymers(such as hydrocarbon or thermoplastic polymers), and/or fibrous orfoam-based materials (e.g., closed cell polyurethane foam). In someexamples, the insulating material 1165 may be semi-firm and contractwhen pressure is applied, to press against the exterior of the removablestorage container 1140. In such examples, there may be no substantialextra space 1160 when the removable storage container 1140 is housedtightly in the lower compartment 1115, thereby restricting movement ofthe removable storage container 1140 (as a person carries theaforementioned variation of the handbag embodiment 800 of FIG. 8 withthe example interior 1100). As a specific and non-limiting example, inone embodiment the lower compartment 1115 and sidewalls 1150, 1155 mayhave a length L2 of about 12 inches and the removable container may be alength L1 of about 10 inches, and the widths W1 and W2 of the insulatingmaterial 1165 may respectively be about one inch on all sides (althoughW1 and W2 may also have different values, for example (but not limitedto), where the shape of the lower compartment 1115 is rectangular andthe pairs of the interior sidewalls 1150, 1155 have different respectivevalues). In some examples, waterproof materials 1160 and/or insulatingmaterial 1165 may also line or be placed between the bottom perimeteredge 1145 and/or divider 1105 and the interior of the lower compartment1115. In some examples, the waterproof material 1160 may also haveproperties of and be insulating material 1165. In other examples (notshown), one or more of the portions of the interior sidewalls 1150, 1155that are insulating material 1165 may be removable, using Velcro orother mechanisms to secure to the interior sidewalls 1150, 1155. Infurther examples (including where the aforementioned portions areremoved), the length L1 of the removable storage container 1140 may besubstantially less (e.g., two or more inches less) than a length L2 of apair of sidewalls 1150, 1155 (e.g., a second pair of sidewalls), and mayform a space 1160 for storing additional items within the lowercompartment 1115 while the removable storage container 1140 is housed inthe lower compartment 1115. Moreover, in some examples, interiorportions of the sidewalls 1150, 1155 of the lower compartment 1115 maybe spaced a distance (not shown) from the exterior of the sidewalls1150, 1155. For example, the lower compartment 1115 may have interiorportions of the sidewalls 1150, 1155 (whether partly or entirely) havingor lined with insulating material 1165 that is fixed in said position.In further examples, the waterproof material 1160 that may line thebottom perimeter edge 1145 and/or divider 1105, and or interiorsidewalls 1150, 1155, or otherwise line the lower compartment 1115and/or portions thereof, may be made all or partially from the following(and combinations therefore: polymeric-based, polyurethane (e.g.,polyurethane laminate, thermoplastic polyurethane), acrylic,polyester-based material, coated-nylon fibrous material (e.g., nylontaffeta), terylene, laminated fabric, marine vinyl fabric (e.g.,polyvinyl chloride, lanolin-coated wool, oilcloth, WeatherMAX 65Polyester, and/or waterproof synthetic fabric. In some examples thewaterproof material 1160 may enclose the insulating material 1165 as ajacket, and/or otherwise be placed in between the pair of sidewalls1150, 1155 and the interior space of the lower compartment 1115.

In some examples (not shown), a divider, such as for example a removabledivider 1005, or fixed divider 1105 may have a resealable divideropening to provide access between the lower compartment and the uppercompartment, and in further examples the divider resealable opening maybe configured for insertion and/or removal of a storage containertherethrough. In some examples, the lower compartment 1115 may have aliquid-tight seal when the resealable bottom opening 1135 and anydivider resealable opening are closed. For instance, in some examplesthe liquid-tight seal may include interlocking teeth that tightly engageso as to not permit liquid to pass therethrough. Some examples mayinclude zipper/zipper tracks as shown and described above, which mayinclude one or more of the following features and materials: nylon,polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic polyurethane, and the like. Featuresdescribed and/or shown in one figure with regard to one embodiment maybe combined with features shown and/or described in another figure withregard to another embodiment. By way of specific and nonlimitingexamples, some of the features of FIG. 11 (e.g., insulating material1165, the widths W1 and W2, relationship between the removable container1140 and lower compartment 1115 so as to tightly restrict movement, thewaterproof material 1160 etc.), may be combined with features of FIGS.6-7. For example, the removable container 1140 may be configured forplacement on the flap 660 with insulating material 1165 and pairs ofinterior sidewalls 1150, 1155 surrounding removable container 1140 oncethe flap 660 is secured and the bottom opening 650 is in a closedposition.

FIG. 12 is a view of another example interior 1200 of one variation ofthe handbag embodiment 800 of FIG. 8 (although interiors that aresimilar in some aspects to interior 1200 are also contemplated for otherhandbag embodiments). The handbag interior 1200 may also have an uppercompartment 1210 corresponding to the upper portion 1220 and accessiblevia the top opening 1230, a lower compartment 1215 corresponding to thelower portion 1225 and accessible via the resealable bottom opening1235, and a divider 1205 positioned in the handbag interior 1200 andarranged to divide the upper 1210 compartment from the lower compartment1215. In some examples, ample space may be available in the uppercompartment 1210 to store numerous items 1260, accessible via a topopening 1230.

In some examples, the divider 1205 may be configured to change positionswithin the handbag 1200, for example, by “snapping” into differentvertical positions dividing the upper compartment 1210 from the lowercompartment 1215. For example, the divider 1205 may have a first pair ofdivider sidewalls 1275, 1280 corresponding to the first pair ofsidewalls 1265, 1270. The first pair of sidewalls 1275, 1280 may havedifferent receivers 1285, 1290 (e.g., pairs of button sockets) forreceiving or fastening with attachers 1295 (e.g., a pair of button caps,studs or posts) located along the first pair of divider sidewalls 1275,1280 allowing the divider 1205 to snap into any of several positionslocated at a different distance above the bottom side 1245 and dividingthe upper compartment 1210 from the lower compartment 1215.

In some examples of the interior 1200, all of the interior of thesidewalls (e.g., 1265, 1270) may be lined with insulating material 1201.In further examples, the lower compartment 1215 may be lined withwaterproof material. In some examples, the lower compartment 1215 may beconfigured to house one or more removable storage containers 1240, 1250.In some examples, the removable storage containers 1240, 1250 may bothhave elongated shapes, conforming to the elongated shape of the lowercompartment interior 1215, for more being more securely housed therein.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a handbag embodiment compartmentdivider 1300. For example, the divider 1300 may have a first pair ofdivider sidewalls 1305, 1310 and attachers 1315 (e.g., a pair of buttoncaps, studs or posts) located along the outside of each of the pair ofdivider sidewalls 1305, 1310.

The above-described device is considered that of some embodiments only.It is therefore understood that the embodiments shown in the figuresbelow and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and notintended to limit scope. Alterations and modifications, therefore, andsuch further applications as would occur to those skilled in therelevant art(s), are also contemplated.

We claim:
 1. A dual-compartment handbag, comprising: a unitary handbagexterior body, comprising: at least two sidewalls; an upper portionhaving a top opening; a lower portion, comprising: a bottom side, thebottom side defined by bottom perimeter edges of the at least twosidewalls; and a resealable bottom opening positioned at least in partalong the side walls and within three inches distance from the bottomside; a handbag interior comprising: an upper compartment correspondingto the upper portion and accessible via the top opening; and athermally-insulated lower compartment corresponding to the lower portionand accessible via the resealable bottom opening; and a dividerpositioned in the handbag interior and arranged to divide the uppercompartment from the lower compartment.
 2. The handbag of claim 1,wherein the resealable bottom opening comprises a portion that extendsdownwardly away from the at least two sidewalls when in an openposition.
 3. The handbag of claim 2, wherein the resealable bottomopening runs anti-parallel to the plane of the bottom side and whereinthe flap comprises the bottom side when in an open position.
 4. Thehandbag of claim 2, wherein the resealable bottom opening anti-parallelto the plane of the bottom side is recessed a minimum first distancefrom the bottom perimeter edges.
 5. The handbag of claim 4, wherein theresealable bottom opening anti-parallel to the plane of the bottom sideis interior to the bottom perimeter edges by a minimum second distance.6. The handbag of claim 5, wherein the minimum first distance is greaterthan or equal to the minimum second distance.
 7. The handbag of claim 5,wherein the minimum first distance is less than the minimum seconddistance.
 8. The handbag of claim 4, wherein the bottom perimeter edgescomprise nobs for sturdy placement of the handbag on a surface.
 9. Thehandbag of claim 2, wherein the bottom perimeter edges form arectangular perimeter with four sides, and wherein the four sidescorrespond to the perimeter edges of the at least two sidewalls.
 10. Thehandbag of claim 1, wherein the resealable bottom opening runshorizontally along at least two of the at least two sidewalls at adistance between zero to two inches above the perimeter edges of the atleast two of the at least two sidewalls.
 11. The handbag of claim 1,wherein the divider is removable.
 12. The handbag of claim 1, whereinthe lower compartment has a liquid-tight seal when the resealable bottomopening and the resealable divider opening are closed.
 13. The handbagof claim 1, wherein the lower compartment is configured for housing asingle removable storage container.
 14. The handbag of claim 21, whereinthe lower compartment comprises: a first pair of sidewalls; and a secondpair of sidewalls longer than the first pair of sidewalls and arrangedperpendicular to the first pair of sidewalls; wherein the first andsecond pairs of sidewalls are configured to restrict movement of theremovable storage container when the removable storage container ishoused in the lower compartment.
 15. The handbag of claim 14, whereinthe length of the removable storage container is less than a length ofthe second pair of sidewalls.
 16. The handbag of claim 14, wherein atleast one of the sidewalls of the lower compartment comprises insulatingmaterial.
 17. The handbag of claim 16, wherein at least one of thesidewalls of the lower compartment that comprises insulating materialfurther comprises waterproof material.
 18. The handbag of claim 16,wherein at least one of the sidewalls of the lower compartment thatcomprises insulating material comprises a removable portion.
 19. Thehandbag of claim 18, wherein the first and second pairs of sidewalls areconfigured to restrict movement of the removable storage container basedat least on part on the removable portion of the at least one of thesidewalls of the lower compartment that comprises insulating material.20. The handbag of claim 19, wherein the resealable bottom openingcomprises waterproof material and insulating material facing toward thelower compartment of the handbag interior, and the divider compriseswaterproof material and insulating material facing toward the lowercompartment of the handbag interior, wherein the first and second pairsof sidewalls are configured to restrict movement of the removablestorage container based at least on part on the resealable bottomopening and divider.